Bryson DeChambeau confirms LIV start 2026, Vijay Singh makes a surprise PGA Tour return, Charley Hull launches YouTube channel. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the LIV Golf League in 2026, which begins on February 7 in Riyadh. The five-time major champion plans to stay connected to the rival circuit but needs more time with his family. This was the official statement from LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is known as a competitor who thrives in high-level contests, something he only somewhat found at LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the final contract year is not surprising, although questions remain about potential buyouts or repayments. He remains the owner of the LIV team Smash GC, which has appointed Talor Gooch as its new captain.
Speculation is strong about where Koepka will compete next. He is eligible immediately on the DP World Tour, possibly with a penalty, or on the PGA Tour, where he faces a one-year suspension following his last LIV start. The lifetime bans imposed by former commissioner Jay Monahan were significantly softened. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, aiming to return to the players’ circle.
Koepka’s membership reapplied: Preparing for his PGA Tour comeback
Any potential suspension would end in August, coinciding with the 2026 season finale at the Tour Championship. This would make Koepka eligible for 2027, just as the PGA Tour plans a revamped schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields — an ideal comeback moment, fitting Koepka’s preferences. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome another star name on board.
\”He may need time, but I think he will return to the PGA Tour,\” said Jon Rahm recently on the \”Subpar\” podcast. \”He might play at least the minimum and focus on tournaments he likes, the big ones. If he qualifies for or receives invites to top events, he would play those too.\” It’s possible the five-time major winner might get leniency on suspension from the PGA Tour board, player directors, and Tiger Woods–led competition committee, following Rory McIlroy’s recommendation to allow Koepka back immediately. A fan poll by the magazine \”Bunkered\” also shows majority support.
DeChambeau confirms LIV Golf return for 2026
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau officially confirmed he will compete in the LIV Golf League in 2026. His Crushers team with Charles Howell III, Paul Casey, and Anirban Lahiri will enter their fifth season unchanged. Interestingly, DeChambeau has not announced a general contract extension, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes arrangements to retain him as LIV’s most marketable active player after Koepka.
Vijay Singh returns to PGA Tour at age 62
Surprise move: Vijay Singh is making a comeback on the PGA Tour at 62 years